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mondofacto - Online Medical Dictionary Category: Health and Medicine > Medical Dictionary Date & country: 26/01/2008, UK Words: 116197

defervescent stage
Synonym for defervescence ... Falling of an elevated temperature; abatement of fever. ... Origin: L. De-fervesco, to cease boiling, fr. De-neg. + fervesco, to begin to boil ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

defiance
1. The act of defying, putting in opposition, or provoking to combat; a challenge; a provocation; a summons to combat. 'A war without a just defiance made.' (Dryden) 'Stood for her cause, and flung defiance down.' (Tennyson) ... 2. A state of opposition; willingness to flight; disposition to resist; contempt of opposition. 'He breathed defiance to m …

defibrillation
<cardiology, physiology> The act to arrest the fibrillation of (heart muscle) by applying electric shock across the chest, thus depolarising the heart cells and allowing normal rhythm to return. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

defibrillator
<equipment> A device which delivers a measured electrical shock to arrest fibrillation of the heart (ventricle). ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

defibrillators, implantable
Implantable devices which continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart and automatically detect and terminate ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. They consist of an impulse generator, batteries, and electrodes. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

defibrination
Removal of fibrin from the blood, usually by means of constant agitation while the blood is collected in a container with glass beads or chips. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deficiency
A lack or defect. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

deficiency anaemia
Synonym for nutritional anaemia ... Any anaemia resulting from a dietary deficiency of materials essential to red blood cell formation, e.g., iron, vitamins (especially folic acid), protein. ... Synonym: deficiency anaemia. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deficiency disease
Any disease resulting from undernutrition or an inadequacy of calories, proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, or trace minerals. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deficiency diseases
A condition produced by dietary or metabolic deficiency. The term includes all diseases caused by an insufficient supply of essential nutrients, i.e., protein (or amino acids), vitamins, and minerals. It also includes an inadequacy of calories. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

deficiency mutant
Synonym for auxotrophic mutant ... Mutant with a nutritional requirement not present in the wild type organism. ... Synonym: defective organism, deficiency mutant. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deficiency symptom
Manifestation of a lack, in varying degrees, of some substance (e.g., hormone, enzyme, vitamin) necessary for normal structure and/or function of an organism. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deficiency, alpha-1 antitrypsin
An inherited disease with little or no production of an important protein, alpha-1 antitrypsin. The lack of this protein leads to damage of various organs, mainly the lung and liver. The disease may become apparent at a very early age or in adulthood, as shortness of breath or liver-related symptoms (jaundice, fatigue, fluid in the abdomen, mental …

deficiency, calcium
A low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia). Hypocalcaemia makes the nervous system highly irritable with tetany (spasms of the hands and feet, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, overly active reflexes, etc.). Chronic calcium deficiency contributes to poor mineralization of bones, soft bones (osteomalacia) and osteoporosis; and, in children, rickets and impa …

deficiency, glucocerebrosidase
Causes Gaucher's disease (type 1), a progressive genetic disease, due to an enzyme defect. The enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, is needed to break down the chemical glucocerebroside. The enzyme defect in persons with Gaucher's disease (GD) leads to the accumulation of glucocerebroside in the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. The most common early sign is …

deficiency, iron
Deficiency of iron results in anaemia because iron is necessary to make haemoglobin, the key molecule in red blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen. In iron deficiency anaemia, the red cells are unusally small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). Characteristic features of iron deficiency anaemia in children include failure to thrive ( …

deficiency, lactase
Lack of the enzyme lactase resulting in failure to digest lactose in milk (lactose intolerance). ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

deficiency, magnesium
Can occur due to inadequate intake or impaired intestinal absorption of magnesium. Low magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) is often associated with low calcium (hypocalcaemia) and potassium (hypokalaemia) levels. Deficiency of magnesium causes increased irritability of the nervous system with tetany (spasms of the hands and feet, muscular twitching and cra …

deficiency, protein c
Protein C is a protein in plasma that enters into the cascade of biochemical events leading to the formation of a clot. Deficiency of protein C results in thrombotic (clotting) disease. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

deficiency, selenium
Deficiency of the essential mineral selenium causes Keshan disease, a fatal form of cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) first observed in Keshan province in China and since found elsewhere. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Recommended Dietary Allowances of selenium are 70 milligrams per day for men and 55 milligrams per d …

deficiency, zinc
Deficiency of zinc is associated with short stature, anaemia, increased pigmentation of skin (hyperpigmentation), enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), impaired gonadal function (hypogonadism), impaired wound healing, and immune deficiency. (For a genetic disorder that impairs zinc uptake, please see Acrodermatitis enteropathica). Accordi …

deficient
Wanting, to make up completeness; wanting, as regards a requirement; not sufficient; inadequate; defective; imperfect; incomplete; lacking; as, deficient parts; deficient estate; deficient strength; deficient in judgment. 'The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety.' (Macaulay) Deficient number. ... <mathematics> See Abundant. Defi'cie …

deficit
A lack or deficiency. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

define
1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. 'To define controversies.' ... 2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country. ... 3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optic …

defined medium
<cell culture> Cell culture medium in which all components are known. In practice this means that the serum (that is normally added to culture medium for animal cells) is replaced by insulin, transferrin and possibly specific growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

definite
1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. 'Elements combine in definite proportions.' (Whewell) ... 2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expressio …

definition
<microscopy> The distinctness with which the very fine detail in an image or photograph can be seen. ... (05 Aug 1998) ...

definitive callus
The callus which has become converted into osseous tissue. ... Synonym: permanent callus. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

definitive erythroblast
<haematology, pathology> Embryonic erythroblast found in the liver, smaller than primitive erythroblasts, they lose their nucleus at the end of the maturation cycle and produce erythrocytes with adult haemoglobin. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

definitive host
<epidemiology> The host in which a parasite reproduces sexually. ... (05 Dec 1998) ...

definitive lysosomes
Synonym for secondary lysosomes ... Lysosome's in which lysis takes place, owing to the activity of hydrolytic enzymes; they are believed to eventually become residual bodies. ... Synonym: definitive lysosomes, digestive vacuole. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

definitive method
An analytical procedure for the measurement of a specified analyte in a specified material which is known to give essentially the true value for the concentration of the analyte. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

definitive prosthesis
A dental prosthesis to be used over a prescribed period of time. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deflagrate
<chemistry> To burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt. ... Origin: L. Deflagratus, p. P. Of deflagrare to burn up; de- + flagrare to flame, burn. ... <chemistry> To cause to burn with sudden and sparkling combustion, as by the action of intense heat; to …

deflection
1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, especially. Downward; deviation. 'The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections.' (Lowth) ... 2. The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course. ... 3. <optics> A deviation of the rays of light toward the …

deflection coils
<microscopy> The electromagnetic coils that steer the electron beam in a cathode-ray tube or image pickup tube, for example, in a raster scan ... (05 Aug 1998) ...

deflective occlusal contact
A condition of tooth contact's which diverts the mandible from a normal path of closure to centric jaw relation. ... Synonym: cuspal interference, interceptive occlusal contact, premature contact. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deflexed
Bent downward or outward. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

deflexion
Term used to describe the position of the foetal head in relation to the maternal pelvis in which the head is descending in a nonflexed or extended attitude. ... Origin: de-+ L. Flexio, a bending, fr. Flecto, pp. Flexum, to bend ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deflorescence
Disappearance of the eruption in scarlet fever or other exanthemas. ... Origin: L. De-floresco, to fade, wither, fr. Flos (flor-), flower ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deflour
1. To deprive of flowers. ... 2. To take away the prime beauty and grace of; to rob of the choicest ornament. 'He died innocent and before the sweetness of his soul was defloured and ravished from him.' (Jer. Taylor) ... 3. To deprive of virginity, as a woman; to violate; to ravish; also, to seduce. ... Origin: F. Deflorer, LL. Deflorare; L. De- + flo …

defluoridation
Removal of excess fluorides from a community water supply. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

defluvium capillorum
A falling (or loss) of hair. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

defluvium unguium
A falling (or loss) of nails. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

defoliants, chemical
Herbicides that remove leaves from trees and growing plants. They may be either organic or inorganic. Several of the more persistent types have been used in military operations and many are toxic. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

deform
Deformed; misshapen; shapeless; horrid. 'Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold?' (Milton) ... Origin: L. Deformis; de- + forma form: cf. OF. Deforme, F. Difforme. Cf. Difform. ... 1. To spoil the form of; to mar in form; to misshape; to disfigure. 'Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time Into this breathing world.' (Shak) …

deformability
The ability of cells, such as erythrocytes, to change shape as they pass through narrow spaces, such as the microvasculature. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deformation
A change from the normal size or shape. Also called deformity. A deformation can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after birth (acquired). ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

deforming
Causing a deviation from the normal form. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deformity
A permanent structural deviation from the normal shape or size, resulting in disfigurement; may be congenital or acquired. ... Synonym: deformation. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

defurfuration
The shedding of the epidermis in the form of fine scales. ... Synonym: branny desquamation. ... Origin: L. De, away from, + furfur, bran ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deganglionate
To deprive of ganglia. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

degeneracy
<molecular biology> The coding of a single amino acid by more than one base triplet (codon). ... Of the 64 possible codons, three are used for stop signals, leaving 61 for only 20 amino acids. Since all codons can be assigned to amino acids, it is clear that many amino acids must be coded by several different codons, in some cases as many as s …

degenerate
Having become worse than one's kind, or one's former state; having declined in worth; having lost in goodness; deteriorated; degraded; unworthy; base; low. 'Faint-hearted and degenerate king.' (Shak) 'A degenerate and degraded state.' (Milton) 'Degenerate from their ancient blood.' (Swift) 'These degenerate days.' (Pope) 'I had planted thee a noble …

degenerate code
<molecular biology> The fact that in most cases in the genetic code used by all life on Earth, one particular amino acid is specified by more than one three-base combination of the four nitrogenous bases (called a codon). ... There are enough different codons to specify 64 different amino acids, but there are in actuality only 20 amino acids ( …

degenerate configuration
<radiobiology> Magnetic field configuration in which the magnetic lines of force close exactly on themselves after passing around the configuration a finite number of times. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

degeneratio
Synonym: degeneration. ... Origin: L. Degenero, pp. -atus, fr. De, from, + genus, race ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

degeneration
An effect whereby the productivity of a microbial strain used in a commercial process diminishes after repeated transfer from one culture media to another, often caused by genetic mutation. ... (14 Nov 1997) ...

degenerative
<pathology> Undergoing degeneration: tending to degenerate, having the character of or involving degeneration, causing or tending to cause degeneration. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

degenerative arthritis
<pathology> A form of arthritis that results in the destruction of the articular cartilage that line the joints. Seen predominately in the larger weight bearing joints of the hips, knees and spine, but may also be evident in the small joints of the hands. ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

degenerative chorea
Synonym for Huntington's chorea ... A progressive disorder usually beginning in young to middle age, consisting of a triad of choreoathetosis, dementia, and autosomal dominant inheritance with complete penetrance. Bilateral marked wasting of the putamen and the head of the caudate nucleus is characteristic. ... Synonym: chronic progressive chorea, de …

degenerative disc disease
<radiology> Plain film: narrowing of disc space; osteophytes; bone sclerosis, disc calcification, vacuum disc phenomenon (nitrogen at sites of negative pressure) MRI: endplate changes (Modic and deRoos), Type I (4%): decreased signal on T1; increased signal on T2; vascularised fibrous tissue, Type II (16%): increased T1; isointense T2; local …

degenerative index
The percentage of granulocytes that contain toxic granules in the cytoplasm, as compared with the total percentage of granulocytes. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

degenerative inflammation
Synonym for alterative inflammation ... A local reaction to injury, occasionally observed in the walls of blood vessels and in parenchymal cells of various organs in reacting to certain chemicals, viruses, and other intracellular agents; the response is characterised by degenerative changes in the cytoplasm and nucleus, frequently resulting in necro …

degenerative joint disease
<orthopaedics, rheumatology> A form of arthritis that results in the destruction of the articular cartilage that line the joints. Seen predominately in the larger weight bearing joints of the hips, knees and spine, but may also be evident in the small joints of the hands. ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

degenerative myopia
pathologic myopia ...

degloving
1. Intraoral surgical exposure of the anterior mandible used in various orthognathic surgical operations such as genioplasty or mandibular alveolar surgery. ... See: degloving injury. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

degloving injury
Avulsion of the skin of the hand (or foot) in which the part is skeletonised by removal of most or all of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deglutition apnea
Inhibition of breathing during swallowing. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deglutition pneumonia
Synonym for aspiration pneumonia ... <chest medicine> Refers to the inappropriate passage of food, water, stomach acid, vomit or another foreign material into the lungs. Aspiration, particularly involving gastric acid, will often result in a serious pneumonia. ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

deglutition reflex
Synonym for swallowing reflex ... The act of swallowing (second stage) induced by stimulation of the palate, fauces, or posterior pharyngeal wall. ... Synonym: deglutition reflex, pharyngeal reflex. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

deglutitive
Relating to deglutition. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

Degos, R
<person> French dermatologist, *1904. ... See: Degos' acanthoma, Degos' disease, Degos' syndrome, Kohlmeier-Degos syndrome. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

Degos' acanthoma
<tumour> An obsolete term for clear cell acanthoma. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

Degos' disease
malignant atrophic papulosis ...

Degos' syndrome
malignant atrophic papulosis ...

DegP protease
<enzyme> Cleaves thE colicin a lysis protein precursor into 2 acetylated fragments; essential for E coli survival at high temperatures ... Registry number: EC 3.4.21.- ... Synonym: degp gene product, htra protein ... (26 Jun 1999) ...

degradation
<biochemistry, chemistry> The reduction of a chemical compound to one less complex, as by splitting off one or more groups. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

degrade
1. To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank' to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer. 'Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.' (Palfrey) ... 2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lowe …

degraded
1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. 'The Netherlands . . . Were reduced practically to a very degraded condition.' (Motley) ... 2. <biology> Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. 'Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons.' (Dana) ... 3 …

degraded wetland
<ecology> A wetland which has been altered by man through impairment of some physical property and in which the alteration has resulted in a reduction of biological complexity in terms of species diversity of wetland-associated species which previously existed in the wetland areas. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

degranulation
Release of secretory granule contents by fusion with the plasma membrane. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

degree
1. A step, stair, or staircase. 'By ladders, or else by degree.' (Rom. Of R) ... 2. One of a series of progressive steps upward or downward, in quality, rank, acquirement, and the like; a stage in progression; grade; gradation; as, degrees of vice and virtue; to advance by slow degrees; degree of comparison. ... 3. The point or step of progression to …

degrees of freedom
In statistics, the number of independent comparisons that can be made between the members of a sample (e.g., subjects, test items and scores, trials, conditions); in a contingency table it is on e less than the number of row categories multiplied by one less than the number of column categories. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

dehalogenase
Any enzyme (EC subclass 3.8) removing halogen atoms from organic halides. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

Dehio, Karl
<person> Russian physician, 1851-1927. ... See: Dehio's test. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

Dehio's test
If an injection of atropine relieves bradycardia, the condition is due to action of the vagus; if it does not, the condition may be due to an affection of the heart itself. ... Synonym: atropine test. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

dehiscence
A premature bursting open or splitting along natural or surgical suture lines. A complication of surgery that occurs secondary to poor wound healing. Risk factors include diabetes, advanced age, obesity and trauma during the post-surgical period. ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

dehiscent
Breaking open at maturity to release the contents. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

dehumanization
Loss of human characteristics; brutalization by either mental or physical means; stripping one of self-esteem. ... Origin: de-+ humanus, human, fr. Homo, man ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

dehydrase
Former name for dehydratase. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

dehydratase
A subclass (EC 4.2.1) of lyases (hydro-lyases) that remove H and OH as H2O from a substrate, leaving a double bond, or add a group to a double bond by the elimination of water from two substances to form a third; synthase is sometimes used when the synthetic aspect of the reaction is emphasized. Some trivial names of enzymes in this subclass bear t …

dehydrated
A condition of decreased body fluid. Common in cases of excess diarrhoea, vomiting or poor fluid intake. Some medications (diuretics) can also cause dehydration. Features include decreased urine output, thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, rapid heart rate and lightheadedness (particularly with standing). More severe cases may include confusion or a decrea …

dehydrated alcohol
Synonym for absolute alcohol ... Water having been removed. ... Synonym: anhydrous alcohol. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

dehydration
The condition that results from excessive loss of body water. ... Synonym: anhydration, deaquation, hypohydration. ... Origin: L. De = away, Gr. Hydor = water ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

dehydration fever
Synonym for thirst fever ... An elevation of temperature in infants after reduction of fluid intake, diarrhoea, or vomiting; probably caused by reduced available body water, with reduced heat loss by evaporation; an analogous condition in adults is seen when exertion is continued in the face of dehydration. ... Synonym: dehydration fever, exsiccation …

dehydration-condensation reaction
The joining of two molecules to each other with the release of a water molecule in the process. ... Compare: hydrolysis. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

dehydrin
<protein> Class of plant proteins expressed in response to water shortage and notable for a run of 7 contiguous serines. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

dehydro-
<prefix> Prefix used in the names of those chemical compounds that differ from other and more familiar compounds in the absence of two hydrogen atoms; e.g., dehydroascorbic acid, which resembles ascorbic acid in all structural features except for its lack of two hydrogen atoms that are present in the ascorbic acid molecule. In systematic nome …

dehydro-3-epiandrosterone
3b-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17-one;a weakly androgenic steroid secreted largely by the adrenal cortex, but also by the testes; one of the principal components of urinary 17-ketosteroids; a precursor of testosterone. ... Synonym: androstenolone, dehydroisoandrosterone. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...